How did Türkiye—once a budget gem turned pricey playground—become even more irresistible, where travelers flock for its culture, coastlines, and charisma despite inflation and the occasional headline scare?
Table of Contents
Pope is coming to Turkey
Pope Leo XIV’s four-day visit to Türkiye stretches across Ankara, Istanbul, and Nicaea (İznik), blending diplomacy, interfaith dialogue, and a historic return to the birthplace of Christian orthodoxy.
First thing is first: The Economy
Türkiye in 2025 bas been a country of contrasts — where the economy feels crushingly expensive for locals yet shockingly affordable and safe for foreign visitors.
The latest symbol of this paradox is Turkish families crossing into Dedeağaç (Alexandroupoli), Greece, for grocery shopping — even though one euro now equals nearly fifty Turkish lira, prices there are still cheaper than at home.
Introduction to Turkey's Volatile Geopolitics
It has always been Turkey’s fate — and its burden — to exist at the crossroads of empires. Sitting astride the Bosphorus, Turks have for over a millennium mediated, fought, and traded between worlds: East and West, Islam and Christendom, nomadism and civilization.
Like the Jews or the Arabs, Turks have been a traveling people — conquerors, migrants, diplomats, and traders — their story tracing the great movements of humanity itself.
From the steppes of Central Asia to the gates of Vienna, Turkish history is a map of interaction: assimilation without disappearance, domination without isolation. Every civilization that has passed through Anatolia — Greek, Persian, Arab, Mongol, Byzantine, European — has left a mark, and each in turn has been absorbed into a uniquely Turkish synthesis.
This centrality is not just geographic. It is cultural and geopolitical — a permanent “in-between-ness” that defines both Turkey’s strength and its volatility.
A Shifting World Order
Today, that same geography again makes Turkey a hinge in a world undergoing tectonic realignment. The Russo-Ukrainian War continues to redraw borders and alliances. Gaza remains an open wound. Iran reels from a new wave of attacks, and across the Caucasus, Armenia’s “Trump Corridor” project is stirring fresh tensions. Europe, for its part, is accelerating its rearmament and security coordination.
From Ankara’s vantage point, these are not isolated crises. They are fault lines converging at its doorstep — the kind of global turbulence Turkey has historically turned into opportunity. Yet they also raise urgent questions about stability, safety, and the meaning of neutrality in an age where neutrality itself is vanishing.
So as the world order reshapes itself in real time, the traveler can’t help but wonder: Will it still be safe — or even possible — to visit Turkey in 2026?
This question is not just about security. It’s about understanding Turkey’s perpetual role in the great drama of geopolitics — a nation that, more than any other, lives at the intersection of civilizations, carrying forward the echoes of all those who have passed through its lands.
Is Turkey Safe to Visit in 2026? (Short Answer)
Yes. The vast majority of Turkey—including Istanbul, Cappadocia, the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts—is perfectly safe to visit in 2026. These areas remain well-policed, stable, and very accustomed to international tourism.
However, travelers should be aware of two important caveats:
Avoid the Syrian border and much of southeastern Turkey, particularly Şanlıurfa, Mardin, Şırnak, Hakkâri, Kilis, and parts of Gaziantep and Hatay provinces. These regions remain sensitive due to cross-border tensions, military operations, and refugee-related security issues.
Exercise caution in southern regions affected by the 2023 earthquakes, especially around Kahramanmaraş, Adıyaman, and Hatay. While rebuilding efforts are progressing and many towns are recovering impressively, infrastructure, healthcare capacity, and transport routes in certain districts may still be strained. Visitors can encounter ongoing reconstruction work and limited amenities.
Turkey’s Recent Challenges with Terrorism
Turkey’s modern tourism sector—among the top ten in the world—has shown remarkable resilience despite facing significant security and political challenges over the past decade. Between 2015 and 2017 in particular, the country endured a series of terrorist attacks and political turmoil that deeply affected visitor numbers and international perception.
The most recent high-profile attack in Türkiye that had a clear impact on tourism was the explosion on İstiklal Avenue in Istanbul on 13 November 2022, killing at least six people.
2015–2016: The Peak of Terrorist Attacks
This was one of the most turbulent in Turkey’s modern history, both in terms of national security and its effect on tourism.
Here’s a detailed account of what happened during those two years and how it rippled through the travel industry:
ISIS and PKK Attacks:
Throughout 2015 and 2016, Turkey was repeatedly targeted by both ISIS and Kurdish militant groups (PKK and TAK).In January 2016, a suicide bomber struck Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Square—one of its most visited tourist sites—killing 12 German tourists.
Later that year, in June 2016, Istanbul Atatürk Airport was attacked by ISIS-linked gunmen and suicide bombers, leaving 45 dead and hundreds injured.
Other cities like Ankara and Gaziantep suffered deadly bombings in crowded public areas, many claimed by the PKK or its offshoots.
These events caused a sharp drop in tourism arrivals—from 36 million visitors in 2015 to just 25 million in 2016—a decline of nearly 30%, the steepest in modern Turkish tourism history.
2016 Coup Attempt
On 15 July 2016, a faction within the Turkish military attempted to overthrow the government.
The coup attempt led to over 250 civilian deaths and massive nationwide unrest as fighter jets bombed government buildings in Ankara and clashes erupted in Istanbul.
The immediate aftermath brought curfews, emergency rule, and a spike in international travel warnings.
This political shock further deepened the tourism crisis already triggered by terrorism and instability.
2018–2019: Turkish Military Operations in Syria
After years of domestic terrorism, Turkey shifted its focus outward. In 2018–2019, Ankara launched major cross-border military operations—notably Operation Olive Branch (2018) and Operation Peace Spring (2019)—to push back Kurdish YPG militias in northern Syria, which it viewed as extensions of the PKK insurgency. These campaigns drew sharp criticism from the U.S. and Europe, since the YPG had been America’s main ally against ISIS.
At the same time, U.S.–Turkey relations plunged into crisis over Pastor Andrew Brunson, an American evangelical detained in Turkey on espionage charges. When Ankara refused to release him, President Donald Trump imposed sanctions and tariffs in 2018, triggering a sharp fall in the Turkish lira and a brief financial panic. Brunson’s eventual release in October 2018 eased tensions, but the episode exposed deep political rifts between the two NATO allies.
As domestic terrorism waned, Turkey launched several cross-border operations into northern Syria (e.g., Operation Olive Branch in 2018 and Operation Peace Spring in 2019) targeting Kurdish militias such as the YPG, which Ankara considers allied with the PKK.
- These actions, while primarily military, created renewed geopolitical tension with Western governments and periodic travel advisories.
- However, they did not significantly disrupt tourism in western or central Turkey. Popular areas like Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, and the Mediterranean coast remained stable and welcoming.
Despite these clashes and regional instability, Turkey’s tourism industry rebounded powerfully. Domestic security improved, terror attacks nearly ceased, and destinations like Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the Mediterranean coast regained traveler confidence. The weak lira made Turkey an affordable destination, fueling a record-breaking 51 million foreign visitors in 2019—the highest in its history at the time.
In short, the 2018–2019 period symbolized Turkey’s transformation from internal turmoil to outward assertion—a phase marked by geopolitical friction but also by the resurgence of tourism and security resilience.
Post-2019 Recovery and Resilience
After a record 51 million tourists in 2019, Turkey entered 2020 poised for its strongest tourism year ever—until COVID-19 shut down global travel.
By 2022, Turkey had rebounded impressively, hosting over 50 million international visitors, even amid the pandemic’s global aftermath.
The 13 November 2022 İstiklal Avenue bombing in Istanbul—claimed by a suspect linked to Kurdish militants—was tragic but did not cause a sustained decline in tourism, underscoring how much stronger public confidence and state security had become.
After a record tourism year in 2019, Turkey entered 2020 with momentum — only to face simultaneous shocks: the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. sanctions over the S-400 missile deal, and a deepening currency crisis.
During the pandemic, Turkey’s tourism sector suffered an initial collapse but recovered faster than most of Europe through its Safe Tourism Certification Program, regional travel deals, and early reopening to Russia and Eastern Europe. By 2022, Turkey astonishingly hosted over 50 million visitors, nearly matching pre-COVID highs.
However, this recovery unfolded amid an economic free fall. The Turkish lira lost more than 80% of its value against the U.S. dollar between 2018 and 2022, driven by:
Unorthodox monetary policy — President Erdoğan’s insistence on low interest rates despite soaring inflation;
Loss of investor confidence after the U.S. CAATSA sanctions and exclusion from the F-35 program;
A massive foreign-exchange drain to defend the currency.
Inflation surged above 80%, eroding real incomes and creating what some economists called a “silent debt purge”: because Turkey’s debt was largely lira-denominated, the real value of domestic debt shrank, effectively “thinning” the burden at the expense of household savings and purchasing power.
Despite this turmoil, the collapsing lira made Turkey exceptionally cheap for foreign visitors, fueling a tourism boom that brought in much-needed hard currency. Paradoxically, the same crisis that weakened the economy also reinvigorated exports and tourism competitiveness.
By the end of 2022, Turkey stood at a crossroads — macroeconomically unstable but internationally attractive, a country whose geopolitical independence, weakened currency, and tourism vitality formed a precarious yet resilient balance.
2023–2025: Earthquake and Continued Stability
And lately:
The February 2023 earthquakes devastated parts of southeastern Turkey (especially Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, and Adıyaman), killing tens of thousands.
While this was a natural disaster, not terrorism, it temporarily affected travel in the region.
Nevertheless, reconstruction has been rapid, and tourist corridors in western and central Turkey remain fully operational.
Outside of these exceptions, tourism infrastructure across the country is fully functional and welcoming, with tens of millions of visitors expected in 2026. As always, use standard precautions—stay informed about local developments, avoid political demonstrations, and register travel plans if required by your country’s advisory service.
Quick Takeaways
Turkey is the 6th most visited country in the world because she offers a compelling package of history, culture, nature, and good infrastructure, making it extremely appealing for international travelers.
- Daily life in tourist zones remains peaceful. Visitors to Istanbul, Antalya, Cappadocia, and Ephesus enjoy a calm and welcoming atmosphere, where locals are used to tourism and safety measures are well established. Even in eastern regions such as Göbeklitepe and along the lush Black Sea coast, travelers can explore freely — these areas are stable, secure, and increasingly popular among both domestic and international visitors.
- Avoid southeastern border provinces near Syria, Iraq, and Iran. And most tourist attractions are far away from the borders.
Expect a visible but discreet security presence in city centers. Turkey’s well-trained military and proactive police ensure safety—these measures keep the statistics reassuringly good.
The Turkish lira is at record lows, making travel very affordable — though high inflation (around 40% in 2025) means museum tickets and dining can still feel pricey even for those with strong currencies.
Local hospitality is warm, and infrastructure is robust, with Turkish Airlines and other carriers now flying across the country — including new direct routes connecting Cappadocia with Antalya and İzmir.
Istanbul Safety: Calm Amid the Chaos
Istanbul is not just Turkey’s heart—it’s its soul. And that soul is vibrant in 2026. Despite the national-level political pressures, Istanbul is abuzz with travelers, students, artists, and business professionals.
Public transport is running smoothly.
Tourist areas like Sultanahmet, Taksim, and Kadiköy on the Asian side of the city are active and welcoming.
Protests are rare and tightly controlled by local authorities.
Hotels, restaurants, and museums are operating at full capacity.
Security presence has increased slightly, but it adds a feeling of safety rather than tension. The arrest of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has sparked conversations but not street-level disruption. Travelers report feeling safe walking alone, day or night.
A Global City with Strong Safety Metrics
In recent years, Istanbul has emerged not only as one of the world’s most visited cities but also as one of the safest large metropolises for travelers and residents alike. According to official Turkish Ministry of Interior data, 361 homicide incidents were recorded in 2023, corresponding to a rate of roughly 2.3–2.5 per 100,000 inhabitants across a population of 20 million. This places Istanbul in the same bracket as Berlin (2.0) and below New York City (4.6) — both widely regarded as safe, cosmopolitan destinations.
Tourist Safety: Petty Crime Is the Main Risk
Like in London, Paris, or Rome, petty theft such as pickpocketing remains the most common issue tourists face in Istanbul. However, violent incidents against visitors are rare. Turkish police report a double-digit drop in overall crimes against individuals in 2024, alongside a 98 % clearance rate — one of the highest among major metropolitan police forces.
Crowded areas like the Grand Bazaar, Sultanahmet, or Taksim demand the same level of caution as Times Square or the Paris Metro. But in most districts, especially those frequented by tourists, visible police presence and security cameras keep crime levels low.
A City on Par with Global Standards
Let’s see what statistics say about how Istanbul measures up against other giants of our planet:
| City | Homicide Rate (/100 k) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | 0.37 | Among the world’s safest cities |
| London (UK) | 1.4 | Data from Metropolitan Police, 2023 |
| Paris (France) | 1.3 | National average; Paris city aligns closely |
| Berlin (Germany) | 2.0 | 77 cases in 2023 |
| Istanbul (Turkey) | 2.3–2.5 | 361–393 victims in 2023 |
| New York City (USA) | 4.6 | 386 homicides in 2023 |
In homicide terms — the most consistent global measure of urban safety — Istanbul performs comparably to Berlin and better than New York City, placing Turkey’s largest city firmly in the middle of the safest global capitals.
Measured by both violent-crime incidence and tourist-safety outcomes, Istanbul sits comfortably among leading world cities.
Violent crime rates: lower than in several Western megacities.
Tourist incidents: declining year over year.
Security infrastructure: modern surveillance, tourism police units, and multilingual emergency services enhance visitor safety.
This means a visitor in Istanbul today experiences roughly the same statistical safety level as one in Berlin or London, with the added benefit of Turkish hospitality and 24/7 activity that keeps central districts lively and well-patrolled.
A Necessary Caveat: Turkey’s Organized Crime Reality
At the same time, it would be dishonest to talk about safety in Istanbul without acknowledging a harder truth at the national level. According to the Global Organized Crime Index 2025, compiled by the Geneva-based Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (a civil-society project, not a UN agency), Turkey ranks 10th out of 193 countries in overall criminality, with a high criminality score and a comparatively low resilience score in terms of its capacity to counter organized crime.
This index does not measure everyday street safety for tourists. Instead, it looks at the scale of large criminal markets (drug trafficking, human smuggling, counterfeit goods, arms, financial crimes) and the power of criminal actors (mafia-style groups, state-embedded actors, transnational networks) across an entire country. In Turkey’s case, the report highlights its role as a strategic transit hub between Asia, Europe, and Africa, as well as persistent issues of corruption and institutional weakness.
For a visitor in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus or Antalya, this usually remains invisible. You are far more likely to encounter a pushy carpet salesman than a cartel operative. The people involved in these criminal economies move in a completely different world – one that operates in the shadows, far from hotels, museums, and family-friendly districts. Their business model is based on large-scale smuggling and financial flows, not on targeting tourists for violent crime.
That’s why both of the following statements can be true at the same time:
Istanbul feels as safe as Berlin or London for an ordinary visitor, especially in central and tourist-heavy areas.
Turkey as a state struggles with powerful organized crime networks behind the scenes.
For us as guides, this tension matters. We can confidently say that Istanbul is generally safe to visit, especially if you use basic big-city common sense. But we also recognize that this safety exists inside a country ranked among the world’s top tier for organized crime. The crucial point is that, for most travelers, these deep structural issues do not translate into day-to-day personal danger. They remain part of the background reality of the country, not the foreground of your trip.
Is Istanbul Actually Safe?
Istanbul—and Turkey as a whole—is generally safe for travelers. While sensational headlines can suggest otherwise, violent crime against tourists is rare. You’re no more at risk here than in Rome or Paris. Pickpocketing in crowded areas is the main concern, but simple precautions—leaving your passport in the hotel, keeping valuables in a money belt, and carrying only a small amount of cash—make incidents unlikely.
Once, I did find myself in a tense moment—entirely of my own making—after wandering through Tarlabaşı with an expensive camera. A confrontation with an intoxicated local ended harmlessly, but it reminded me that awareness matters more than fear.
Common Tourist Scams in Istanbul
For most visitors, the real risks are scams, not danger. A “friendly” local may lead you to a relative’s carpet shop for “special prices,” or a shoe shiner may drop his brush, draw you in with gratitude, and overcharge you. Some cafés near tourist hubs inflate prices too. A polite smile and a “Kolay gelsin” (“May it go easy”) as you walk away works wonders.
Losing a few hundred lira to a scammer is more lesson than loss. Don’t let these small hustles overshadow Istanbul’s warmth, history, and hospitality. It’s all part of travel—learning the rhythms of a place and growing a little wiser along the way.
Geopolitical Realities of Türkiye in 2026
2026 is a year of transformation for Turkey’s neighborhood, and some key developments matter for travelers:
The Russo-Ukraine war and Türkiye’s role / impact
Since the war broke out in 2022, Türkiye has positioned itself in a somewhat balancing / mediating role: it maintains relations with both Russia and Ukraine, and is active in the Black Sea region. The war has had economic, trade and tourism impacts on Türkiye. For instance, disruptions in trade, shifts in tourist flows (especially Russian tourists), and energy-price pressures.
At the same time, Türkiye’s unique middle position has given it both political leverage and economic opportunity:
Ties with Russia
Türkiye has not joined Western sanctions and continues to engage in significant trade with Moscow. Russian tourists remain among Türkiye’s largest visitor groups, and Russian imports of Turkish agricultural products and manufactured goods have grown. This trade helps Türkiye’s economy weather broader regional shocks.
Support for Ukraine
Turkish defense firm Baykar has supplied Bayraktar TB2 drones to Ukraine — weapons that became symbols of Ukrainian resistance early in the war. In fact, several Ukrainian families have even named their newborns “Bayraktar” in tribute to the drones’ role in defending their country.
This pragmatic diplomacy — selling drones to Ukraine while trading and hosting tourists from Russia — underscores Türkiye’s flexible foreign-policy posture: securing both its strategic autonomy and economic stability amid global turbulence.
Aftermath of the Gaza War & Iran Attacks
Türkiye remains vocally supportive of Palestine, but has not been involved militarily. After a series of Israeli strikes on Iranian infrastructure earlier this year, Turkish airspace and borders were unaffected. However, travelers are advised to avoid political demonstrations.
Post-Assad Syria
Since 2012, Turkey has hosted the world’s largest refugee population—over three million Syrians and hundreds of thousands of others fleeing conflict. This humanitarian responsibility has shaped Turkey’s domestic and foreign policy alike.
From the early stages of the Syrian civil war, Ankara supported opposition groups seeking to overthrow Bashar al-Assad, providing arms, training, and logistical assistance. These efforts, along with broader regional dynamics, contributed to the eventual fall of the Assad regime in late 2025.
In the new “post-Assad” era, Turkey has emerged as a major power broker in northern Syria. While the situation near the border remains fluid, everyday life and safety in central and western Turkey remain unaffected. Many observers believe President Erdoğan carefully timed his involvement to maximize political and strategic gains—though he publicly downplays this.
Armenia and the Trump Corridor
The creation of a controversial trade corridor between Azerbaijan and Türkiye through Armenian-adjacent lands has spurred diplomatic protests. However, this remains a political matter and has not translated into instability within Turkey.
Cyprus Election Results
The recent presidential elections in Northern Cyprus have renewed calls for reunification talks. Tensions remain mild, and this has no bearing on mainland Turkey travel safety.
European Union Security Discussions
Turkey’s potential inclusion in a new EU security pact has reignited debates within Europe—particularly with Greece voicing opposition. While politically significant, these developments do not influence the security landscape for visitors.
Domestic Developments in 2026
If you’re planning to visit Türkiye in 2026 (or soon), there are a number of important domestic- and regional-political developments to keep in mind. While none necessarily make the country unsafe for tourists in the usual destinations, they do shape the broader context — and in some cases, may have indirect impacts on travel, security, or what you should be aware of.
Analysts note that Türkiye is undergoing increased pressure on opposition parties and figures. For example, the arrest of the mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem İmamoğlu, a prominent opposition figure, sparked large protests and concerns about democratic back-sliding. According to one source:
“The political situation … has entered a sensitive phase, marked by increasing pressure on the opposition and a parallel intensification of Turkey’s regional diplomatic ambitions.”
Turkey’s internal dynamics are as eventful as ever. Here’s what’s shaping the narrative this year:
Selahattin Demirtaş to be Released: The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) recently rejected Turkey’s appeal against its earlier ruling that found Demirtaş’s long detention violated his rights and was politically motivated. This means the ECHR’s decision — calling for his immediate release — is now final and binding. His lawyers have applied for release within Turkey, while prominent political figures, including MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli, have publicly stated that freeing him could be “beneficial for Turkey.”
Imamoglu and Altaylı Still Detained: Istanbul’s Former Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and journalist Fatih Altaylı remain in custody, stoking criticism over Turkey’s judiciary. Protests have been limited and peaceful, largely organized in local squares and quickly dispersed.
Together, these two cases — one of a top opposition political figure (İmamoğlu) and one of a prominent journalist (Altaylı) — are widely seen as emblematic of Turkey’s current political-legal climate: a crackdown on perceived opposition or dissent, heavy use of the judiciary in politically sensitive contexts, and expanding constraints on electoral competition and media freedom.
Earthquake Recovery & Infrastructure Resilience
The devastating earthquakes of 2023 and 2025 left scars on Turkey’s southeast. However:
Major tourist areas were unaffected.
National recovery programs have rebuilt key infrastructure.
Hotels and airports operate normally.
Seismic retrofitting has expanded significantly across urban areas.
Travelers are encouraged to avoid heavily impacted towns in the southeast unless on humanitarian missions.
Tourism Trends, Visitor Statistics & Currency Advantage
In 2025, Turkey is projected to welcome over 59 million international visitors. This number is projected to grow in 2026.
Istanbul remains one of the most visited cities in the world.
Tourism contributes nearly 12% of GDP.
Hotel occupancy in spring 2026 hit 82%, a post-pandemic high.
The lira’s weakness gives travelers exceptional value: five-star experiences at three-star prices.
What Travelers Should Know
You should come to Türkiye at ease — without unnecessary fear or preconceived worries. Many guests initially arrive with concerns about safety, only to be pleasantly surprised by how friendly, clean, and organized the country feels, especially in Anatolian regions.
Across Turkey, cleanliness, generosity, and hospitality are core cultural principles. Guests are frequently offered tea, homemade food, or small gestures of kindness by strangers. The Other Tour highlights this as one of the defining aspects of Turkish society — something that amazes visitors who expect a more chaotic or unsafe environment.
What truly underpins this warmth is the strength of family and community values. In most parts of Türkiye, homelessness is virtually nonexistent — not because of government policy, but because family ties remain strong. People take care of one another. Elders are respected, neighbors are looked after, and it’s almost unthinkable for someone to be left without support.
Yet this same deep-rooted sense of loyalty has a darker side. When family bonds extend into public life, they can blur the line between personal obligation and civic duty. In Türkiye, these close-knit connections sometimes fuel tribalism, nepotism, and corruption, undermining the integrity of institutions that once stood as a beacon of hope for much of the Muslim world throughout the 20th century. The same culture that nurtures compassion at the personal level can, at the national level, entrench favoritism and weaken accountability.
Stray Animals
And it’s not just people — we’re big animal lovers, too. Across the country, you’ll see well-fed street cats and dogs that are part of the community. Locals regularly leave out food and water, and even municipalities care for them. This compassion for all living beings reflects the same spirit of empathy and kindness that makes travelers feel so safe and welcome here.
Essentials for 2026
Even though Turkey in 2026 is a safe and welcoming destination, smart travel habits go a long way toward keeping your trip smooth and stress-free. Here are a few essentials every visitor should keep in mind:
Register with your embassy upon arrival.
Carry a physical copy of your passport and visa.
Avoid political gatherings or protests.
Consider comprehensive travel insurance.
Use official taxis or ride-share apps. Uber works a bit weirdly and sends you a yellow taxi.
Download emergency contact apps if available.
Conclusion: Should You Travel to Turkey in 2026?
Turkey in 2026 is layered—politically complex but stunningly accessible. Its cities buzz, its landscapes soothe, and its people greet you with smiles and hot tea.
So is it safe? If you’re heading to the historical core of Istanbul, the sun-drenched beaches of Antalya, or the valleys of Cappadocia—absolutely.
Istanbul — and Turkey more broadly — now stand on par with the world’s best-known safe urban centers. Whether walking through Sultanahmet, dining along the Bosphorus, or exploring Kadıköy at night, travelers encounter a city whose crime metrics match those of the safest major capitals — and whose culture of hospitality remains unmatched.
And in these times of global uncertainty, one thing remains true:
“Worrying about the risk of travel feels like worrying about being struck by lightning.”
Come explore. You might find more safety and warmth here than you’d expect.
Contact us with your questions
We are here if you have anything you’d like us to hear.
Correction: Turkey is still the 6th most visited country in 2022 and 2021
Source: https://travelness.com/most-visited-countries-in-the-world
About the russian invasion of Ukraine: unfortunately it’s the opposite, prices are already going up and there is a lack of accommodations because of so many russians leaving their country and relocating to Turkey
Not anymore. Many Russians have left turkey si ce you posted your comment (your comment is 2 years old)
anyone have travelled to Turkey recently? Please comment here.
I have travelled to Turkey in Sep2023, and will not go back. Staff at istanbul airport are not helpful at all, they make no effort to help travellers. Taxi drivers are very dishonest and can be very agressive.
People ate not friendly, they don’t smile. They depend in tourism and yet dont make efforts to welcome tourists.
I found people in Antalya yo be more honest than in Istanbul.
I did and I will not go back u til they improve their attitude and safety for Female travellers.
Important Safety Warning for Female Travelers and Mothers with Children at IST Airport in Turkey
I recently had a harrowing experience at Istanbul Airport (IST) that I want to share as a warning, particularly for women, students, and mothers traveling alone. Here is my story:
After flying from Hanover, Germany, we had a layover at Atatürk Airport in Istanbul. My daughter fell ill with a fever, and we had to take her to the hospital. We ended up staying one night at the hospital and another night at a hotel. When my daughter felt better, I contacted the airport to retrieve our luggage. After completing the necessary procedures and collecting the luggage, I needed to return to our hotel.
I hailed a taxi that was waiting for passengers outside the airport. Using Google Translate, I gave the driver the hotel address since we couldn’t communicate in English. Once inside the taxi, with my daughter on my lap, I noticed the driver had a camera and kept turning it towards me. When I asked him about it, he claimed that Turkish police require taxi drivers to have cameras.
Suddenly, the driver stopped in an isolated area resembling a parking garage or loading dock. Alarmed, I questioned him, and he replied that he needed to drop off some goods. Fearing for our safety, I made an international call to my partner in Germany, explaining our location and situation, and asked him to call the police. I also threatened the driver, saying that the police were on their way. The driver, who appeared very threatening, started shouting but eventually agreed to drive us to the hotel.
Ladies and girls, please take the following precautions when traveling alone:
Get the driver’s information: Note the taxi’s number, driver’s name, and any other identifying details.
Stay connected: Keep your phone charged and stay in contact with someone who knows your whereabouts.
Use official transportation: Whenever possible, use official airport transportation services or pre-booked rides.
By sharing my experience, I hope to help others avoid similar situations. Stay safe and vigilant.
Best Luck
S.A
Thank you very much for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I had a very bad experience in Istanbul in Sep 2023, with a private Transfer the hotel sent me. I will never go back again alone. The driver asked me to get off on y e highway and take another taxi, that was because I was coughing so bad. There was a very strong cigarette smell in the (supposedly) VIP van , and the driver didn’t like it when I asked the employee who helped me get to the meeting point, to ask him not to smoke. I refused to get off and didnt respond to him.
When we arrived at the city centre he asked me to get off and said the road was closed. He refused to drive me to the hotel. He started shouting at me. Luckily I had an eSim (electronic sim that I activated upon arrival to make calls) and managed to get hold of the hotel (I was lucky as there was only one staff at the hotel), there was argument between the driver and the hotel employee. The driver parked the van and got my suitcase out and I followed him when he statued walking and talking in the phone. We were in a busy area so I wasn’t sacred for my safety but i was very shaken. I asked people for help, the first time it was 3 middle age men sitting at a cafe, they told me this is normal with Taxis when I told them he refused to drop me off at the hotel, the 2nd person was a store owner, he tries to help, went to talk to the driver but the Hotel employee had just arrived. I will never forget this experience . I am in my laye 50’s and this is the worst travel experience I had travelling. I am also Muslim and wear a scarf (hijab). This can happen to anyone.
I am always surprised when women post on facebook groups that it’s very safe for solo female travellers.
May I ask when this happened? I heard of other stories about female being raped, one woman said she had to jump ouf of the car to save herself and her daughter.
One can never be safe. Unfortunately whether we like it or not, women ate more at risk than men.
Thank u so much for sharing because I also have a daughter and she is still very young.. Our intention is to relocate to Turkey this year.. Keep well
Thank you for your comment. Please let us know if you have any questions about living in Turkey.